A bold move by Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin has paid off, landing the 2023-24 Norris Trophy winner, Quinn Hughes. But here's where it gets controversial...
It all started with a simple suggestion from assistant GM Mat Sells, who urged Guerin to make a call that might sound crazy. And Guerin, in the midst of preparing meatballs for Christmas Eve, took that leap of faith.
The result? A deal with Vancouver Canucks' president of hockey operations, Jim Rutherford, that sent Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, Liam Ohgren, and a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to Vancouver in exchange for Hughes.
"I had to take off my latex gloves; I was rolling meatballs when Rutherford called to confirm the deal. There was definitely a fist pump involved!" Guerin exclaimed.
So, why did Guerin decide to make this move now? "Because it's Quinn Hughes," he said. "You don't wait for the right moment with a player of his caliber. If you hesitate, you might miss out."
Hughes, in his eighth season with the Canucks, has amassed an impressive 432 points, making him the highest-scoring defenseman in Vancouver's history. His addition to the Wild's lineup is expected to boost their power play, currently ranked 11th in the League.
"He's one of the best, if not the best, defenseman in the league," said Minnesota's Brock Faber, who is likely to be paired with Hughes. "It's going to be a treat to have him on our side, as he's a nightmare to play against."
Wild captain Jared Spurgeon is equally excited about Hughes' impact on the team's power play. "He can create offense from the D zone and is a special player on the power play. His skating ability makes the hardest plays look effortless."
Hughes, currently in the fifth season of a six-year, $47.1 million contract, can become an unrestricted free agent after the 2026-27 season. While Guerin hasn't received any guarantees that Hughes will sign an extension, he believes the team's potential to contend for the Stanley Cup this year will be a persuasive factor.
"You can't make promises, but I think Quinn will love it here. He's a true hockey enthusiast, always watching and staying updated on league happenings. I believe Minnesota is the perfect market for a hockey player, with our team's culture, organization, and passionate fans. Hockey is deeply rooted here, and I think Hughes will thrive in this environment."
And with that, the Wild welcome Hughes to their lineup, set to make his debut against the Boston Bruins on Sunday. Will Hughes sign an extension with the Wild? Only time will tell, but for now, the Wild are focused on the present and the opportunity to contend for the ultimate prize.
